Markeith is a blind runner who is chasing his third U.S. Paralympic Team this year. At age three, Markeith was diagnosed with optic nerve atrophy, a condition that impairs the optic nerve’s ability to carry impulses from the eye to the brain. Despite losing his sight, Markeith has always been determined to succeed in sport and in life. His perseverance and love of running has catapulted him to the elite ranks of Paralympic Track & Field, and Markeith is chasing gold in Tokyo 2020.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Markeith continues to train in his hometown where he lives with his wife. Markeith is the Founder and President of the I C You Foundation, Inc., an organization that provides financial support and scholarships to visually-impaired students across the U.S. He has also served as a Classroom Champions mentor since 2016 so promote the value of education and leadership to young adults. Markeith graduated from Tennessee State University where he compete in Track & Field. Beyond competitive sport, Markeith hopes to create a national wellness center that provides holistic care to individuals of all abilities.

Markeith is comfortable in front of an audience – especially one of students and educators – since he is passionate about promoting the importance of learning. Markeith is positioned to increase awareness and acceptance of the U.S. Disability Market, which is comprised of 54 million Americans between the ages of 15 and 65 years. The global competition and exposure surrounding Paralympic sport increases each year as athletes of all abilities are gaining access to more resources and sponsor support. The United States Olympic Committee officially changed its name to the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), marking the spirit of inclusion and diversity in our country.

Olympic Sports, Sports, Athlete, Sports Motivation, Sports Speakers, Sports Industry, Track & Field, Paralympics